St. Lawrence Central science teacher named master teacher

BRASHER FALLS - Eight math and science teachers from St. Lawrence, Franklin and Jefferson counties were named master teachers by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Tuesday, making them each eligible for $60,000 in stipends for partaking in a statewide program to recognize and support some of our best educators.

Jennifer N. Fraser, with South Jefferson Central; Deborah J. Wilkinson, Lyme; Valerie Pond, Carthage, and Majella LaRock, Brasher Falls, are among the first 105 teachers to join the states Master Teachers Program. They were joined by four teachers from Franklin County, including Emily McKernan of Brushton-Moira and Arlington Trombley of Chateaugay.

The program will provide a $15,000 stipend per year for four years to each participant.

In partnership with SUNY Plattsburgh, the north countrys master teachers also will engage in peer mentoring and intensive, content-oriented professional development opportunities; help support the next generation of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) teachers; take part in professional development and training sessions, and attend regular meetings.

Ms. LaRock, who teaches high school chemistry, biology labs and applied chemistry at St. Lawrence Central High School, said teachers had been encouraged to apply for the program by Thomas Morrison, president of St. Lawrence Central United Teachers.

Ms. LaRock said that while still teaching, shell be required to travel to Plattsburgh some evenings and weekends as part of the four-year program.

Its going to involve traveling to Plattsburgh a few times a month to do course work. It is a serious commitment, she said.

Its a steppingstone in her career, though, Ms. LaRock said.

Im about midway in my career here. I have a lot of years left. With all the changes coming, it seemed to be a great way for me to stay on top of and even get ahead of the game, to keep myself in the loop and fresh. It just appealed to me. Im pretty excited about it. Im really excited to be part of the first group thats a part of it, Ms. LaRock said.

Mrs. Fraser, an algebra teacher at South Jefferson High School, Adams, said shes looking forward to working with teachers around the state.

For me to work with high-quality, more experienced teachers, it will be a good experience for me, she said.

Mrs. Fraser, who has been at the school for four years, after two years at Lyme Central School, Chaumont, said she was most inspired by the chance to inspire young people and get them excited about math.

Mrs. Fraser said she also was excited to hear about Ms. Wilkinsons selection. When she worked at Lyme, the two had neighboring classrooms.

I think this is a phenomenal opportunity. And Im incredibly excited to work with the other teachers because I believe collaborating with other districts makes our district stronger, she said.

Mrs. Wilkinson, a Lyme Central graduate who has been with the district for nine years, said she already works with a lot of new teachers and believes shes a good fit for the program.

Thanking district administrators who assisted her through the application process, Mrs. Wilkinson said she is up for the challenge and eager to learn more about the state program.

Mrs. Pond entered her 17th year working for Carthage this fall as a high school math instructor. Her greatest accomplishment this year has been undertaking flipped classrooms, in which students watch videos of her lessons online after school and then do homework in class. In June she won the state Sen. Patricia A. Ritchies Golden Apple Award.

Mrs. Pond, who first heard she made the list in a phone interview, said only, I was waiting to hear. ... Im kind of in shock.

Applications for the second round of the program will be accepted Nov. 1 through Jan. 3. Selections will be made next spring.